Breaking down how the Rams (7-2) and the San Francisco 49ers (3-5) match up heading into their game at 5:15 p.m. PST on Monday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The game will be carried on ABC (Channel 7) and ESPN.
When Rams have the ball: A season-ending knee injury suffered by veteran wide receiver Robert Woods will reverberate through the offense, and not only in the passing game. Woods is regarded as one of the NFL’s best and most selfless blockers at the wide receiver position. Woods’ absence hastens the need for star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to make his Rams debut against the 49ers rather than waiting until a Nov. 28 game against the Green Bay Packers. Beckham practiced only one day this past week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will try to bounce back after essentially giving up 14 points because of two interceptions in a 28-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans last week. Stafford suffered a left ankle sprain in the loss, but he practiced this past week. Stafford’s receiving corps still includes Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, rookie Ben Skowronek and J.J. Koski. Kupp led the NFL in targets (103), receptions (74), yards receiving (1,019) and touchdown catches (10) heading into Sunday. The offensive line got manhandled against the Titans, giving up five sacks. Center Brian Allen is nursing an elbow injury. If he does not play, Coleman Shelton will play in his place. San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner has been a one-man wrecking crew against the Rams the last two seasons. End Nick Bosa has seven sacks.
When 49ers have the ball: Before the season, there was chatter about rookie quarterback Trey Lance replacing Jimmy Garoppolo. But Garoppolo, who has burned the Rams in the past, will be under center Monday. Garoppolo has passed for eight touchdowns with five interceptions. In a 31-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week, he completed 28 of 40 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and fullback Kyle Juszczyk are capable of lining up at various spots. Elijah Mitchell has rushed for three touchdowns, but the 49ers’ usually proficient rushing attack has not been as effective as in previous seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan. The Rams traded for outside linebacker Von Miller on Nov.1, but the edge rusher sat out against the Titans because of a high ankle sprain suffered before he was traded by the Denver Broncos. He is listed as questionable. Edge rusher Leonard Floyd has 7½ sacks and defensive lineman Aaron Donald six for a defense that has amassed 28, most in the NFL entering Sunday. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is in the conversation for defensive player of the year. Cornerback Darious Williams’ snaps are expected to increase in his second game back from an ankle injury.
When they kick: Kicker Matt Gay has been nearly automatic for the Rams, making 17 of 18 field-goal tries. Johnny Hekker averages 43.3 yards per punt. Kupp will probably continue to fair-catch punts, and Koski can return kickoffs. Robbie Gould has made four of five field-goal attempts for the 49ers. Mitch Wishnowsky has averaged 45.6 yards per punt.
Gary Klein’s prediction: The Rams appeared primed to beat the 49ers for the first time since 2018. But Woods’ injury, Beckham’s rushed onboarding and the 49ers’ penchant for playing the Rams tough could contribute to an upset.
49ERS 27, RAMS 24
